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Freshly baked cinnamon swirl banana bread on a wooden table, sliced to show its moist texture and cinnamon swirl.

The Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Recipe: A Simple Guide to a Classic Treat

This Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is ultra-moist, packed with warm cinnamon flavor, and features a rich, gooey swirl that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Banana Bread:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 ripe bananas mashed
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Cinnamon Swirl:
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls For combining wet and dry ingredients
  • Whisk To mix ingredients smoothly
  • Loaf pan (9x5 inch) For baking the bread
  • Parchment Paper For easy removal
  • Toothpick To test doneness

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs, mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
  4. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix!
  5. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
  6. Layer the batter: Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, then repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon-sugar. Swirl with a knife.
  7. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  9. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use overripe bananas for the best flavor. The darker, the better!
  • Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk for extra moisture.
  • For a crunchy topping, sprinkle extra cinnamon-sugar on top before baking.